One hell of a thread this one has turned into. I side personally with the get what you pay for camp. if you buy 1 J and 1 Y that is the way you fly (I am a poet and I didnt know it.....)

I have many instances where I have flown behind the curtain and my wife infront domestically (particularly on the biscuit runs MEL-SYD), personally I find the diminished nagging fair compromise for reduced comfort, particularly when I am used to travelling in the baggage hold. The biggest thing for me though is to travel with my wife long haul (which I consider anything longer than BNE-PER), as in be able to touch her for the entire flight should I choose (toilet breaks excluded).

As for the is it fruad section, no technically with an if, yes with a but. I would suggest on fare and offering basis, averaged accross cabins, the only fair solution would be that they lose both J and Y seat and are placed together in Y+ allowing a waitlist pax to board the back, and an Op-Up for a much deserved frequent traveller!